Armstrong announced that it will initiate a 6 percent price increase in the U.S. and Canada on all solid hardwood flooring products effective with shipments on Dec. 17, 2012.

“Due to significant higher raw material costs we find it necessary to adjust our prices to ensure we can continue to deliver quality, innovation and service that drives growth for our customers,” said Kevin Biedermann, senior vice president, Armstrong Residential Floor Products. “Our focus remains on reducing costs wherever possible through productivity and operational improvement projects without compromising our quality or service.”
Mullican too will announce a price increase effective Jan. 1, according to Brian Greenwell, vice president of sales and marketing.

Mannington said that it will not raise prices on its engineered hardwood. “Competitive pressures from imports, and excess manufacturing capacity, make it difficult to raise prices despite continued rising costs of labor, raw materials, and energy,” said Dan Natkin, director of wood and laminate business at Mannington.
Shaw and Mohawk did not have comment at press time.